God, when images of a drowned baby and her daddy cannot be unseen
help us to imagine a new world is possible – and then compel us to get out of our own way and build it
God, when historical places of horror are re-purposed to inflict new suffering
help us to imagine that freedom for all is possible – and then equip us to get out of our own way and work for it
God, when our hearts become hardened to the pain endured by our neighbors
help us to imagine that love is possible – and then urge us to get out of our own way and share it
God, when systems have been perpetuated to further hate, bigotry, and xenophobia
help us to imagine that repentance and restoration is possible – and then push us to get out of our own way and live it
Help us, O God, help us
We obviously cannot do it by ourselves
Help us, O God, help us
Remind us that giving up and giving in is not an option
Help us, O God, help us
Our hope is in You
Amen
*******
Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks (she/her/hers/ella) is a queer womanist freedom fighter, minister, spiritual entrepreneur, teacher, and life-long learner committed to the liberation of colonized peoples, centering the marginalized, building power and creating community. She lives in Chicago with her spouse and has three children and nine grandchildren. Dr. Pagán-Banks currently serves as executive director of A Just Harvest, pastor at San Lucas UCC, and adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary.
___________________________________________________________________________
RevGalBlogPals encourages you to share our blog posts via email or social media. We do not grant permission to cut-and-paste prayers and articles without a link back. For permission to use material in paper publications, please email revgalblogpals at gmail dot com.
RevGalBlogPals 